spool

1 of 2

noun

1
: a cylindrical device which has a rim or ridge at each end and an axial hole for a pin or spindle and on which material (such as thread, wire, or tape) is wound
2
: material or the amount of material wound on a spool

spool

2 of 2

verb

spooled; spooling; spools

transitive verb

1
: to wind on a spool
2
: wind entry 3
spool the thread off the bobbin
3
: to regulate the transmission of by means of a spooler
spool data

intransitive verb

1
: to wind itself on a spool
2
: to be wound or unwound
3
: to regulate data flow by means of a spooler

Examples of spool in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
That's because the inch-wide LCD panel simulates the viewing window of a cassette player – including spinning six-toothed spools during playback. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2024 The spools slowly pay out bits of the space balloon, which is about the size of two football fields, as it’s filled with hydrogen. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2024
Verb
The company, which was founded in 2022, is certainly well funded enough to begin spooling up operations, having raised $175 million in series B funding in July. New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2024 These dynamics are already creating a lot of pressure, and it’s poised to get even more chaotic as Hurricane Milton, which spooled up to category 5 strength this week, heads toward the Florida coast. Umair Irfan, Vox, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spool 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spool.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spole, from Middle Dutch spoele; akin to Old High German spuola spool

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spool was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near spool

Cite this Entry

“Spool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spool. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

spool

noun
ˈspül
1
: a cylinder which has a rim at each end and on which something (as thread, wire, or tape) is wound
2
: material wound on a spool

More from Merriam-Webster on spool

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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